The Memphis Grizzlies are not working on renewing the expiring contracts of four assistant coaches in anticipation of a lockout, sources said Thursday.
Assistants Johnny Davis, Dave Joerger, Henry Bibby and Barry Hecker all have contracts that expire this summer, and sources said the Grizzlies' management has not broached the subject of negotiating new deals.
Teams throughout the league are taking different approaches to the possibility of a lockout. Some teams are providing partial pay to their staffs that are still under contract. Some, like the Grizzlies, are waiting to renew contracts until a new labor pact is in place. Others, such as the New Jersey Nets, have staff under contract but a stipulation they will not be paid during a lockout.
San Antonio Spurs assistants will receive 75 percent of their salaries during the lockout and be reimbursed the missing 25 percent when a lockout ends, according to a source.
Adding to the Grizzlies' assistants frustration, head coach Lionel Hollins received a full playoff share, while they received partial shares, according to sources with direct knowledge of contract talks.
"I'm not going to go into any of that," Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said. "We're in the process of working on our staff. Our coaches' compensation is an internal matter."
Senior writer Ric Bucher covers the NBA for ESPN The Magazine.